Gene Shalit Leaves The Today Show After 40 Year Reign

Gene Shalit, the revered film critic who has been a mainstay on the US morning chat show 'Today' for forty years, will leave the program tomorrow, reports the Toronto Sun. The 88-year-old said, "It's enough already", in a statement.Shalit originally joined the show in 1970 as a contributor, however, he eventually replaced JOE GARAGIOLA on the 'desk' in 1973. Known for his 'electrified' hair and thick moustache, Shalit has written for Look Magazine and Ladies Home Journal throughout his career, and also broadcasts a daily essay on the NBC radio network. Shalit said that after leaving the 'Today' show he would use his free time to 'pursue other activities' including publishing, radio and commercials. On his final day tomorrow, the show will broadcast a retrospective tribute to his work over the past forty years, including his most memorable film reviews and celebrity interviews.The 88-year-old featured in an episode of 'Seasame Street'in the 1970s, and recently voiced a cameo appearance in 'Family Guy', in which he mugs Peter Griffin.